Medium format and swizzle stick

Gerry M · May 24, 2016

I just recently got a 127 tlr and am wondering what the best, most reliable method is for developing film. Especially so since it is ~$12/roll! I have an Anscomatic daylight tank that cannot be inverted, so swizzle stick is the only choice for agitation. My main question is: What is the proper method for agitation. For my first (and only roll, so far), I agitated with figure 8 movement for the first 30 sec and then "swizzled" for 2 revolutions in both directions every 20 sec for the remaining time. The negatives were a bit dark (over processed?). Any input is appreciated.

Gerry

Thomas Bertilsson · May 24, 2016

Gerry M said:
I just recently got a 127 tlr and am wondering what the best, most reliable method is for developing film. Especially so since it is ~$12/roll! I have an Anscomatic daylight tank that cannot be inverted, so swizzle stick is the only choice for agitation. My main question is: What is the proper method for agitation. For my first (and only roll, so far), I agitated with figure 8 movement for the first 30 sec and then "swizzled" for 2 revolutions in both directions every 20 sec for the remaining time. The negatives were a bit dark (over processed?). Any input is appreciated.

Gerry

Don't the plastic reels for Paterson tanks compress to 127 film width?

MattKing · May 24, 2016

That is a lot of agitation.

I would agitate gently and alternate - gentle figure 8 movement for the first thirty seconds then thirty seconds later gentle swizzle for five seconds, then thirty seconds later gentle figure 8 for 5 seconds etc., etc.

frank · May 24, 2016

The proper agitation is whatever works for you. If the negs were a bit dark in your previous attempt, reduce the amount of agitation a bit. (20-30%)

MattKing · May 24, 2016

Thomas Bertilsson said:
Don't the plastic reels for Paterson tanks compress to 127 film width?

My AP branded Paterson "clone" reels do.

Gerry M · May 24, 2016

Thomas B,
I got rid of my Patterson tanks when I switched to JOBO and they have no setting for 127.

Matt K,
It seemed at the time that I was a bit too enthusiastic! I'll try your suggestion.

frank,
I understand your point of view. Because of film cost, I am trying to keep experimenting to a minimum. More than likely, this 127 venture will turn out to be a lark and short lived. Even so, I was pleased with the outcome with the 44LM.

MartinP · May 24, 2016

Don't throw away the backing paper as it will be needed if you ever want to cut down 120 rolls to 127 in future. A couple of razor-blades and some scrap wood will make an adequate film slitter.

Gerry M · May 24, 2016

MartinP said:
Don't throw away the backing paper as it will be needed if you ever want to cut down 120 rolls to 127 in future. A couple of razor-blades and some scrap wood will make an adequate film slitter.

Good thought. Thanks!

Medium format and swizzle stick

Gerry M

Thomas Bertilsson

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Gerry M

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Medium format and swizzle stick

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